As an increasing number of countries, including many developed countries, are struggling to cope with the outbreak of COVID-19, emerging economies and developing countries are facing an unprecedented threat to their development achievements, human life, social cohesion and have been facing socio-economic hardships due to fragile health care systems and socio-economic vulnerabilities. The current COVID-19 pandemic calls for unprecedented efforts and coordinated action. It requires more than ever strengthening public institutions, implementing innovative measures and a collaborative spirit by all countries and the global community to contain the spread of the pandemic and mitigate its far-reaching socio-economic, and even political repercussions.
Focused on the needs and responses from the Arab region, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission (UN ESCWA) and the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) -Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG)- are jointly organizing a Webinar Series specifically dedicated to the Arab region on “Leveraging Public Governance & Exploring Innovative Solutions to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic. 

To highlight means by which communities in the Arab region can become more resilient to address the risks arising from desertification, drought and the depletion of natural resources, in order to preserve terrestrial ecosystems, shift to more sustainable consumption and production patterns, to prevent the land degradation, and to rehabilitate agricultural land; in order to preserve the already scarce natural resources and enhance food security in the Arab region.